 Catholic Diocese of Spokane, Washington
"The dignity of work"by Bishop William S. Skylstad (From the Feb. 26, 2004 edition of the Inland Register)
More recently, I personally have reflected on what work means for us, and how the work of others affects us. It’s relatively easy to admire the more glamorous tasks – a sports figure, some sort of celebrity, a high-profile profession such as doctor or inventor. On the other hand, there is a kind of stereotyping of certain kinds of work that I find disturbing and unappreciative. These days, many of us – probably most of us – have traveled by air. Most airports are very busy places, especially the restrooms. We expect the restrooms to be clean, perhaps even brilliant. As I travel, I often see workers quickly moving from one restroom to another, going about their very necessary but utterly unapplauded work. Scrubbing urinals and toilets bowls is not glamorous work. We’ve all passed by these hard-working individuals. How often have we thanked them for doing a job many of us are simply unwilling to undertake? How many times have we expressed our appreciation for what they do to increase our comfort? What is our attitude about them as persons? And that’s just one example of the less-glamorous tasks performed for us by others, tasks that are so very necessary and which we take for granted so readily. Most of you know I grew up on an apple farm in the Methow Valley. I count that time in my childhood as one of the great blessings of my life. I was part of a family where we worked together, in common, all of us farming together. Each of us had tasks; each of us made a contribution. I thinned apples, hand-sprayed the trees, took care of the irrigation for a neighboring farmer, and in the winter, cleaned out the manure in the barn every day. Frequently, people comment that farm workers are on the lower end of the social scale of work. But that work is vital. It seems to me that there is a real question facing us: How do we consider – and do we appreciate – this very necessary work? Do we pay wages that are commensurate with supporting farm workers and their families? We should – and we must. There is competition in the marketplace. We expect inexpensive food. But that food supply should never be supported by unjust sweat wages that do not support sufficiently the dignity of the labors of a farm worker. As a society we must be willing to support them in their service. The kitchen work of cooks is not particularly glamorous, either. I remember my mother, who was an excellent cook, whose kitchen and garden were her “castle.” Although she has been dead for almost 40 years, our family still talks about her skill and expertise in preparing tasty food and great pastries. For 13 years I worked in our diocese’s high school seminary. All of us priests know Mary Lindeman well. For almost 30 years she served as a cook at both Mater Cleri and Bishop White seminaries, in Colbert and Spokane. She ruled the kitchen (no one got away with anything), and yet she performed her work in a manner that has left fond memories for all of us. She carried on her work with dignity, and everyone knew it. The priests who served on staff, the students who went on to ordination, the men who left the seminary to become loving husbands and fathers: her example and her model touched all of us, and all of us are filled with a deep appreciation and gratitude for her sacrifice and witness. It is easy to stereotype that kind of work. There are so many in our midst who serve in a magnificent way, with humility and a joyful spirit. We have the opportunity to appreciate and express gratitude for this witness and example. Lent provides us an opportunity to reflect not only on others’ work, but also how we approach our own. There is the notion that it’s not what we do, but how we do it that counts. We all receive gifts from God. We have talents and opportunities. It’s up to us to take responsibility for using those gifts in service and generosity. We also support ourselves and our families with those gifts. In that work, our generous and joyful spirit can have a real impact on the lives of others. A few weeks ago when I was in Houston to give a priests’ retreat, I walked to a nearby convenience store to pick a couple of batteries for my small radio. The clerk behind the counter was most helpful, greeting everyone with a spirit that I found to be truly amazing and inspiring. And I don’t think it was her first day on the job, either. It’s one small example: We can make a difference to ourselves in the way we approach our work, and I firmly believe we can also make a difference in others’ lives as well. Doing small things with great love is a great manifestation of living the life of the Gospel. Perhaps during these days of Lent we can deepen our appreciation of all those who work and who contribute in one way or another to the common good, to the good of us all. Think of the words of St. Paul in his letter to the Romans, when he says, “There does not exist among you Jew or Greek … male or female.” In faith, perhaps, we can also say there is no difference between farm worker and teacher, between cook and airline pilot, between restroom cleaner and doctor. Because, as St. Paul continues: “All are one in Christ Jesus” (Rom 3: 28). Indeed! May God bless all of you and give you peace.
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We have once again begun our Lenten journey. Lent gives us the opportunity to reflect upon our lives, our work, and
our vision as we journey together in faith.